Our 2026 series of spring talks concluded with Michael McDermott delivering a universally praised journey through his favourite tunes from musicals, opera and popular song. The dates for our autumn series of talks have now been confirmed: Details for the talks have yet to be confirmed. We wish all Society members a lovely and peacefulContinue reading “Autumn season of talks confirmed”
Category Archives: Talks
Favourite Pieces of the Past
Join us next Saturday, the 9 May, for a captivating illustrated talk led by Michael McDermott, in which he guides us through twenty carefully chosen pieces drawn from the great operatic repertoire, the concert hall, and the broader world of classical and popular song. The talk also pays tribute to the legendary Irish tenor JohnContinue reading “Favourite Pieces of the Past”
Thomas Moore’s Irish Melodies
We are delighted to welcome our Chairperson, James McCreanor, to deliver our next spring talk that takes place on Saturday 11 April at 11am in Buswells Hotel. James’ talk will explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Thomas Moore, one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets and songwriters. Born in Dublin in 1779, Moore captivatedContinue reading “Thomas Moore’s Irish Melodies”
THE GREAT COMPOSERS: FROM HANDEL TO KORNGOLD
We’re delighted to welcome back David Clarke for our next talk on Saturday, March 14th, at 11am in Buswells Hotel. David’s talk will be a journey through time, an exploration of operatic brilliance spanning from the grandeur of the Baroque to the rich colors of Modernism. Beginning with the noble architecture of George Frideric HandelContinue reading “THE GREAT COMPOSERS: FROM HANDEL TO KORNGOLD”
Spring Talks
Our spring talks commence on Saturday the 14th February. The other three talks in the series will take place on the following dates: March 14 – Jim Ryan Aprils 11 – David Clarke May 9 – Michael McDermot Martin Dwan, the producer and director of the The Peoples’ Tenor, the critically acclaimed documentary on theContinue reading “Spring Talks”
John McCormack Sings Songs of Poets and Composers
Pat O’Reilly’s upcoming talk on the 6th December, John McCormack Sings Songs of Poets and Composers, offers a captivating journey through the life and legacy of Ireland’s most celebrated tenor. Blending rich historical detail with engaging anecdote, Pat will explore McCormack’s remarkable recordings, extensive travels, celebrated concert career, and the critical acclaim that followed himContinue reading “John McCormack Sings Songs of Poets and Composers”
Humour in the history of sound recording
We’re delighted to welcome back Gordon Ledbetter for our November talk. Gordon outlines below what attendees can expect. Humour in the history of sound recording, looks at humour in its widest sense and how it has reflected society’s tastes and mores. It is not true to say Caruso in the early 1900s made the gramophone. He certainlyContinue reading “Humour in the history of sound recording”
Music to Inspire and Soothe
David Clarke returns once more to deliver what promises to be another unforgettable journey through the world of singing. “Music to Inspire and Soothe” celebrates the timeless power of the human voice through performances by some of the world’s most cherished singers. From the golden warmth of John McCormack and the haunting beauty of RenataContinue reading “Music to Inspire and Soothe”
Arias and Romanzes from Russia and Eastern Europe
From the Golden Age to the Present Day The final talk of our Spring season takes place on Saturday 10th May in Buswells Hotel, Dublin, from 11am onwards. Arrive early for some tea/coffee and conversation. This recital is being delivered by David Clarke, our Vice-Chairperson. It promises to be a captivating journey through the vocalContinue reading “Arias and Romanzes from Russia and Eastern Europe”
Then and Now
Our next talk on the 12th of April will be delivered by Gordon Ledbetter, the award winning broadcaster and author of two critically acclaimed biographies on John McCormack. The talk will commence at 11am. His talk ‘Then and Now‘ refers to the period of singers captured by the talking machine from roughly the end ofContinue reading “Then and Now”
John McCormack Society 